Events

“Oceans at Night” at Birch Aquarium

Feb. 27. Offering fun for adults after dark, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography presents a special “Oceans at Night” themed seasonal event: “Oceans of Love.” Ideal for date night, “galentines” and singles, the experience includes animal interactions such as an evening shark and ray feeding, a tide pool feeding, and the chance to see a rainbow of fluorescent coral in the aquarium’s Living Light experience. Plus: a live DJ spinning classic love ballads; and “Love Potion” cocktails and mocktails. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $27 members; $30 public. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu 

Del Mar Gem Faire

Feb. 28-March 2. Surround yourself by all that sparkles and shines at this unique expo (and bring your credit card). The Del Mar Gem Faire showcases fine jewelry, gold, silver, precious and semi-precious gemstones, costume jewelry, crystals, beads, minerals and more—available for purchase direct from manufacturers, importers and wholesalers. Bring your own jewelry to be repaired, cleaned or sized while you shop; and enter to win raffle prizes drawn every hour. See website for full dealer/exhibitor list and daily hours. $7 general admission. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 503.252.8300. More Info

Gaslamp Mardi Gras

Feb. 28-March 1. Celebrate Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter at this festive party-meets-bar crawl spanning two days. One ticket grants you access to around 25 Gaslamp bars, clubs and restaurants; hosted welcome shots at select venues; food and drink discounts; live music, DJs and dancing; hotel deals; signature events like the exclusive opening party at American Junkie; and finale parties at Good Night John Boy, Parq and Sevilla Night Club. And save the date for Fat Tuesday on March 4! 6 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 628 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

CRSSD Festival

March 1-2. An audiovisual candy land for electronic music lovers, this two-day festival at Waterfront Park spans three stages and more than 45 musicians and performers. The lineup includes Fisher, Justice, Chris Lorenzo, Claptone (pictured), Folamour, Artbat, Nicole Moudaber, Kavinsky, Maceo Plex, SG Lewis, Sasha & John Digweed, and many more. In between DJ sets, guests can enjoy craft beer, cocktails and local food vendors. See website for full lineup of artists and daily schedule, bag policy, after-parties and tickets for the quickly selling-out event (21+). 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. crssdfest.com

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

Open March 1. A celebrated tradition for more than 60 years, a visit to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is an essential springtime experience. The property’s 55 acres come alive with 70 million blooming flowers, namely its famous Giant Tecolote Ranunculus, through early May. New this year: the Glass in Flight exhibit by artist Alex Heveri, comprising more than three dozen, larger-than-life glass sculptures of birds and insects; plus traditional offerings like the sweet pea maze, tractor wagon rides, and more. See website for hours and admission info. 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.431.0352. theflowerfields.com

Food + Drink

“Picnic at the Park” at The Rady Shell

March 2. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park invites you to its fourth annual “Picnic at the Park,” announcing the San Diego Symphony’s 2025 Summer Season concert lineup. Bring your own picnic (as well as blankets and chairs) or purchase food and beverages at the venue’s onsite eateries—including Lola 55, Biga Pizza, Urban Kitchen, Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream, and stands offering beverages. Guests can also enjoy performances by Symphony musicians and local bands like Cassie B and The Farmers. 11:30 a.m. Free entry. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

New Cocktail Menu at False Idol

Now Available. Little Italy’s not-so-secret speakeasy, False Idol (tucked behind a hidden door at Craft & Commerce gastropub), unveils a new cocktail menu by CH Projects’ beverage directors, Anthony Schmidt and Alicia Perry. Step inside the whimsical tiki oasis and sip on new concoctions amid tropical decor—such as the Chunky Dunk, a banana daiquiri with a touch of sherry; the triple-rum-infused, blue-hued Wayfinder; the Thai-inspired Malambo with pisco, cachaca, rum, coconut, mango and lime; and more. See website for reservations (required) and menu. 675 W. Beech St., Little Italy. falseidoltiki.com

Arts + Culture

San Diego Theatre Month

March 1-31. Get affordable access to the arts via San Diego Theatre Month, presented by the San Diego Performing Arts League. Choose from productions at myriad participating theaters and venues, offering either free or discounted tickets of $15, $30 or $45. Participating outfits include La Jolla Playhouse, North Coast Rep, Cygnet Theatre, Lamb’s Players Theatre, CCAE Theatricals, New Village Arts, The Roustabouts Theatre Co., Oceanside Theatre Company, The Old Globe, Coronado Playhouse, Diversionary Theatre, National Comedy Theatre and more. See website for full list of shows, venues and tickets. Details

Matt Devine Exhibit at OMA

Opens March 1. The Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) is brimming with new exhibits this spring. We’re particularly excited about Matt Devine: Walk With Me, on view March 1-July 6. The immersive exhibition transports you to an enchanting garden of freestanding steel and aluminum sculptures by Matt Devine, inspired by his journey of overcoming anxiety and depression. The artist is known for his stainless steel, bronze and aluminum sculptures that defy gravity. (Pictured: Bramble, 2024; Corten steel with patina.) See website for hours and admission info. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3720. oma-online.org

Lamb’s Players Theatre: Once The Musical

Extended Through April 13. Recipient of the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award for “Outstanding Musical” in 2018, Lamb’s Players Theatre brings us Once The Musical, once again, extended by popular demand through April 13. Kerry Meads directs the beloved Irish musical—based on the book by Enda Walsh, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, and musical direction by G. Scott Lacey—complete from Lamb’s original cast of actors, singers, dancers and musicians from the production seven years ago. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. lambsplayers.org

Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.